Methods

The optimal dosage level of the combination for hedgehogs was determined by assigning
20 hedgehogs into three treatment groups (0.1, 0.4 and 1.6 ml/Kg b.w.), and one untreated
control group of 5 hedgehogs each. Twenty naturally infested hedgehogs were then randomly
assigned to either treatment or control group with 10 animals each, and the number
of live mites was counted from 13 body regions on day 0, 3, 9, 16, and 30 after single
treatment at the dosage level of 0.1 ml/Kg.

Results

Before the chemotherapy, the highest density of mite was observed in external ear
canals followed by the dorsal and the lowest in the ventral regions of the body surface.
The dosage level of 0.1 ml/Kg, which corresponded to the recommended dosage level
for cats, containing 10 mg imidacloprid and 1 mg moxidectin was also the optimal dosage
level for hedgehogs. No hedgehogs in the treatment group showed live mites from day
3 post treatment. Side effects such as ataxia, depression, nausea, and weight fluctuation
were not observed during the whole period of study.

Conclusions

This report suggests that a combination formulation of 0.1 ml/Kg of 10% imidacloprid
+ 1% moxidectin spot-on for cats is also useful for the control of Caparinia tripilis infestation in hedgehogs.